CMA loses to CAL, 16 to 62

California tallied nine tries to defeat California Maritime Academy, 62-16, Wednesday night on Witter Rugby Field at CAL. The Golden Bears (10-1, 3-0 PAC) got two tries apiece from Jake Goena and Aidan Flynn, Jamie Howells added a try to his four conversions (4-of-5) and his replacement, Matthew Coyle, hit 3-of-4 conversions to pace the Blue and Gold. The Keelhaulers (6-3, 4-0 NorCal CRC) got their points off three penalties by freshman Michael Mukuru-Tumusiime followed by an interception try from junior Codi Jones that was converted by junior Chad Mensinger in the 60th minute. Cal Maritime managed to hold the Bears scoreless for 28 minutes in the second half after entering the break down 36-3. With 12 minutes to play, CMA trailed CAL 36-16."Cal is very disciplined," said Keelhaulers head coach Steve Hiatt, a former Cal All-American and U.S. National Team player in both 15s and 7s who has guided CMA to the postseason three of the past four years in the National Small College Rugby Organization. "They always take every single moment and try to execute to their highest ability. I liked how our players re-gathered themselves at halftime. We try to convey that the game is not just about the scoreboard but how you act within it, and I'm proud of the Keelhaulers' thoughtful halftime adjustments in the face of relentless Cal pressure"."I thought the Keelhaulers were very good at times," Cal head coach Jack Clark said. "Two things jump out: they like playing for each other and they're a well-coached team."The win drops CMA's overall record to 6-3. However, the Keelhaulers remain undefeated in the NorCal Collegiate Rugby Conference heading into a big match against league leading Sonoma State.CMA's next league match is at home on Friday, 3/6, when CMA hosts Sonoma State. Kick-off is at 7pm.All games will be webcast, which can be found by following the "Go Live Keelhaulers" link found at the bottom right of the http://www.cmakeelhaulers.com. Kickoff is at 1pm. The game will be webcast live.All fans, supporters, and alumni are invited to come out and watch the matches.